Elena sang 50 years at the Met
mainThe death has been announced of Elena Doria, chorus singer and, later, director of the children’s chorus at the Metropolitan Opera, spending 20 years in each role. She also earned movie credits for her work on Phantom of the Opera and helped train the children’s chorus at Covent Garden.
Born Elsie Marie Goldberg in Providence Rhode Island, she won a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Italy and returned to spend almost her entire career at the Met.
Elena was a lovely, lovely person, not to mention a thorough musical and theatrical professional. She truly loved the Met, and the company was fortunate to have her on its side. Elena, may you rest in peace. (If the choir of angels is not up to snuff, God help them…)
Thank you, Elena, for the inspiration and fun you gave to thousands of children and their families over the years at the #metopera, especially to my daughter and me. We’re sure you’re in heaven, telling the angels to “Smile, dammit!”
Having heard her work a number of times on Metropolitan Saturday matinee broadcasts via BBC Radio 3 I was delighted to discover, some years ago, that Elena was due to visit my daughter’s secondary school here in the London Borough of Bexley.
I arranged for Josephine to take in a message from me, as well as a book about recordings from the Met for her to autograph.
Jo reported she was absolutely charming and seemed genuinely taken aback that she had an admirer among the parents.
Thanks Elena; a simple gesture which was much appreciated. May you rest in peace.